The vlogging virus has struck the world and if you aren’t infected yet, you have been left behind. But in order to ace a seat at the vlogging table and keep it, you not only need an ingenious message but the right tools to make it toothsome too.
Top in the list of tools is the best vlogging camera, without which your audience will only bear with you for a little while.
Does that discourage you?
It shouldn’t. Think of the guy shooting cat videos and earning followers who are allergic to cat’s fur.
That fellow doesn’t worry about the followers’ allergies as long as the content delivered is entertaining, educating, and inspiring. The Likes, Follows, and Shares flow in by the second!
Wondering how and why?
Because with the best vlogging tools, even the most stupid idea can become the most wanted content. Again, there’s a market for every idea, you just need to cook it right.
So if the last time you tried running your YouTube channel you gave up because someone hated your video quality, note, they didn’t hate on your message. The best vlogging camera can turn all that around.
Whatever the magic you hope to capture and wow the world with, this list of the best vlogging cameras will save your day.
Pick the one that delivers the results you lust for and go to work.
Sony ZV-1 Camera for Content Creators, Vlogging and YouTube
Want to venture into a vlog and talk adventure?
Forget your fancy phone. You need a camera that prioritizes keeping your face bright and clear.
Sony ZV-1 camera uses an auto-exposure algorithm to make that happen. And when you need to show your audience an object of great importance, placing it between your face and camera helps the camera to shift focus from your face to the object.
It is algorithm commands it to focus on close objects as a matter of priority while the Fast Hybrid Autofocus enables it to focus in 0.03s!
It has a forward flipping screen allowing you to frame your shot when you need a passport-focused video. It records in 4K at 30Fps and its on-board microphone assumes forward-direction.
However, the Mic jack and MI shoe allow for the external microphone to ensure pro-grade audio. Say goodbye to several takes before capturing your voice as you desire.
When you start recording with the Sony ZV-1 Camera, you know you are on without sad surprises. The quick record button and recording light don’t lie.
The camera marries well with the GV-VPT2BT Sony Bluetooth wireless shooting grip so you have access to cable-free control to zoom and recording to mention but a few worthy features.
And when you want stable shots, it turns into a mini-tripod.
For only $748, Sony ZV-1 Camera will ensure enticing footage for your vlogs no matter where you go.
GoPro HERO8 Black – Waterproof Action Camera with Touch Screen
While its successor, GoPro HERO9 is also a great camera, this model has lots of sexy features to spice up your vlogging lifestyle and hypnotize your audience into action!
GoPro HERO8 black prides itself in its built-in mounting fingers. When mounted, you can change batteries, charge them and swap SD cards with ease.
Its waterproof ability allows it to survive a 33 feet dunk into the water and carry on as if nothing happened, while the Gorilla Glass Glass lens gives it impact-resistance suitable for on-road vloggers.
Since its built-in microphone doesn’t offer great audio capturing in a noisy environment, consider adding a directional one.
The camera comes with HDMI output and two cold shoes to hold a light Mod, LED light, and Display Mod, all of which have their power sources.
If your vlogs involve lots of movement, GoPro HERO8 black’s HyperSmooth 2.0 feature ensures image stabilization nullifying any vibration or jarring movements on the output.
Your videos remain smooth except for little panning movements from time to time. Chances are, your audience won’t notice them.
The HyperSmooth feature is available at all resolutions and frame rates making even the slow motions clips adorable!
The GoPro HERO8 Black can Livestream at 1080p and if you desire to edit any video captured, there is an app ready to do all that for you. That makes it the best action camera for the diehards for less than $400!
Panasonic LUMIX G7KS 4K Mirrorless Camera
This lightweight compact camera is praised for its ability to capture moments you want to cling to for the rest of your life.
Its 16-megapixel sensor has an intelligent image processor producing crisp 4K videos without degrading them. And from such videos, you can extract 8-megapixel still photos so you don’t lose any moment.
It allows 3 modes of 4K photos; 4K burst captured while continually shooting, 4K burst S/S with start and stop a burst and 4K pre-burst that captures 1 second before shutter release for 60 frames.
Panasonic LUMIX G7KS is packed to the gills with intuitive controls to enable easy manipulation of aperture and shutter settings with the front and back dials.
It has intelligent autofocusing to track the color, size, and motion of an object hence fast and accurate focus lock. That takes away the blurry moments for good!
Want to shoot deep in the night? This is the camera for you. It is equipped with settings to enable a silent shutter.
The 4EV low light autofocus allows clear capturing of your target with the moon as your only source of light.
Panasonic LUMIX G7KS uses Panasonic Image App allowing you to control a variety of functions via a smartphone.
Wi-Fi is needed for the App. It also allows the addition of an external microphone and external flash. It goes for $497.99 only.
DJI Osmo Pocket – Handheld 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer with Integrated Camera
Just because life is big, a great camera doesn’t have to be huge or expensive. That’s the motto of the $243 DJI Osmo Pocket camera.
The 3-axis camera is small enough to go with you wherever you desire, whether indoor or outdoor, with the ability to turn the simplest of life’s joys into cinematic episodes. It shoots 4K 60Fps videos at 100Mbps and photos at 12-megapixels. It can be connected to your smartphone allowing you to vlog or stream on YouTube, TikTok, and Streamlabs.
It is compatible with a variety of iPhones, Samsung Galaxy series, Huwawei, and Google Pixel to mention but a few. You need to have DJI Mimo App running on your device of choice; iOS 10.0 or Android 7.0 or better.
Among its hottest features is its physique; 4 ounces – small enough to sit unnoticed in your pocket or handbag and MotionLapse bringing the scene of choice to life. It also has a 3×3 Panorama, NightShot, Story Mode, and ActiveTrack.
The camera is keen to recognize and focus on your face enabling you to record beautiful selfie videos.
The versatile extension rod comes in handy while activating selfie mode, it triggers the camera’s Face Track keeping you in the shot.
When you want to capture a moving subject, focus on it then tap it on the screen, the camera will follow it and capture the moments for you.
The FPV mode capture more dynamic perspectives of the action of interest with the gimbal following the orientation while ensuring the smoothness of the fast-moving object
This compact stabilized camera can shoot great videos underwater as long as it is wearing its waterproof case. DJI Osmo Pocket camera is all you need for vlogging your travel life.
Canon EOS M6 Mark II Mirrorless Camera
When you want to show the impossible to the world, turn to the lightweight and compact Canon EOS M6 Mark II Mirrorless Camera.
It is equipped with a 32.5 – megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor and DIGIC 8 image processor to enable high-speed continuous shooting with eccentric image quality.
You never have to miss a moment. It shoots at 14Fps without wasting time with a video capture resolution of 2160p.
Canon EOS M6 Mark II Mirrorless Camera’s electronic shutter system allows a minimum speed of 1/16000 of a second freezing high-speed action to provide unbelievable detail.
When you want to portray specific parts of your subject, the camera provides up to 5481 manually selectable AF positions including Face + Tracking AF, Single-point AF, Zone AF, and more.
You are also spoilt to expansive AF area coverage for a wide focus area of about 100% vertical and 88% horizontal. But when shooting still photos, coverage varies depending on the lens you choose to engage.
It is equipped with a 3-inch rear touchscreen that flips up by 180 degrees or down by 45 degrees, USB 2.0 port with a Type-C connector, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity.
This is a pricy vlogging camera asking for a whopping $1099 with the retracting 15-45mm IS STM lens and EVF are added. But it delivers what the world hasn’t seen yet.
Panasonic LUMIX G85 4K Digital Camera
Unlike other Panasonic cameras, the Panasonic LUMIX G85 comes in weather-sealing magnesium allowing front plate and combat shutter shock with an electronic shutter.
Its 2360K dots live viewfinder with a 0.74 times magnification ratio allows you to frame and capture your subject as you desire.
It features a 5-axis gyro sensor and Dual image stabilization to correct handshake. It has a 16-megapixel four-thirds MOS sensor without an optical low pass filter.
It has an integrated pop-up flash for your on-the-go photography with a built-in hot shoe for optional flash accessories.
You are also spoilt to a 3.5mm port for your external microphone and a flip articulating LCD 3-inch 1040 dots display that is touch-enabled adjusting to give the finest viewing angles.
Expect 4K video recording at 30Fps or 24Fps at 100Mbps while full HD is 60Fps at 28Mbps.
This SLR-style mirrorless camera allows up to 320 clear handheld shots within its battery life giving detailed images. It has one battery in the camera and the other in the battery grip.
It delivers great results even in a low-light environment and costs slightly below $700.
Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 4K Digital Camera
Just when we expected Panasonic to produce expensive vlogging cameras only Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 4K Digital Camera happened. It costs $297.99 yet delivers a great experience.
So, is there a catch?
First, it shoots 4K videos at 30Fps and 100Mbps but you can also do 1080p at 60Fps and 28Mbps or 30Fps and 20Mbps, or 720p at 30Fps and 10Mbps, while keeping the videos in MP4 format.
Again, the camera is equipped with a small image sensor coupled with a big zoom lens making it both affordable yet bearing high-end features.
It has eye-level EVF which you need for long zooming lenses but has no eye sensor, forcing you to turn to a manual button to switch from EVF to LCD.
Speaking of LCD, Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 has a 3-inch 1040K dots touchscreen rear LCD that allows you to set the point of focus by tapping and can be navigated like a smartphone. Sadly, the screen is fixed.
Its Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to transfer videos and photos to your smartphone or tablet then edit them using Panasonic Image App before sharing.
The camera also has a micro HDMI and is charged via a USB port. That allows you to use your USB power bank to refill the battery. Consider investing in an external charge though so you charge both the in-camera battery and the one out of the camera.
Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 fails on the image stabilization for handheld videos when you zoom in. So you may notice the shaky show.
But for a camera delivering crisp wide angles video, with a deep handgrip, loveable superzoom, and affordable cost, you won’t regret investing in this one.
DJI Osmo Action – 4K Action Cam 12MP Digital Camera
DJI Osmo Action camera poses as the perfect underwater companion. It takes you down 36 feet while withstanding -10 degrees Celsius temperatures thanks to its adaptable batteries. Yet it goes for less than $200!
But that’s not all; it uses gravity-defying RockSteady technology to ensure excellent stable footages throughout extreme action.
Expect smooth footage from the time you dive till you rise back up to the surface, you would think the whole action was recorded on a gimbal.
It comes with a 12-megapixels sensor coupled with an ultra-wide-angle lens allowing 145 degrees field of view.
Its video resolution ranges from 720p to 4k at 60Fps and 100Mbps with aspect ratios of 4:3 or 16:9.
That gives your footage the same power featured in the moment of shooting. It also presents a square 1.4-inch display and a 2.4-inch 16:9 LCD with 300ppi for nice and sharp images.
DJI Osmo Action has the potential to produce 8X slow-motion videos with 1080p resolution and 240Fps with breathtaking clarity.
But when you need to condense time and movement, turn to the Time-Lapse feature. The details of the video will wow them!
To make its manipulation easy, the camera allows you to list, store and select shooting modes and exposure settings you use often as a custom mode. Use the Quick Switch button to move between modes for blissful recording.
But if you want to go all tech, DJI Osmo Action has five voice commands that call to action frequent functions; filming, shooting stills, and turning it off.
GoPro HERO9 Black, Waterproof Action Camera
Recording 4K videos are no longer news. Today, vloggers want cameras that can deliver more, like the GoPro HERO9 Black, Waterproof Action Camera.
Its videos range from 4K to 5K and still shots from 12 megapixels to 20, thanks to its 23.6MP sensor.
The 5K videos however are restricted to 24Fps or 30Fps which does wonders for vlogs or mixing in action recording into a film project.
You could extract 14.8-megapixels photos from 5K footage. The 4K videos are at 60fps, but you also have 2.7K at 120Fps and 1080p at 240Fps.
One thing you will enjoy with GoPro HERO9 Black is the level of image stabilization. Its HyperSmooth Boost mode allows you to record extremely mobile activity while nullifying the possible jostles even when recording handheld footages.
Think of it as the right camera to record the crazy skating jumps. However, the Boost comes with a little crop on the footage.
The camera comes with a 2.3-inch Intuitive Touch Screen, 1.4-inch front-facing LCD, brings an in eccentric wide view and a longer-lasting battery allowing 80 minutes on 5K 30Fps recording.
Take advantage of the 3 built-in microphones with reduced wind noise to capture the amazing audio for your vlogs.
Its battery does heat the camera though and may force it to go off. Power it back up through the external USB source but watch out for overheating.
Should you need to record some action 33 feet underwater, GoPro HERO9 Black promises to take you there.
And its cover is tough enough to withstand the occasional falls that are common in action video shooting.
However, it comes with mounting clips joined into its frame as it is best used while mounted.
It costs a surprising $475.98 despite the wealth of features.
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III Black Camera
You may not be ready to spend $1599.00 on a vlogging camera as a beginner, but if you break free from limiting yourself while getting the best vlogging camera, you could own this Olympus.
Like every other noble vlogging camera, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III Black Camera is compact, ultra-lightweight, and has great lenses.
It allows you to have 50-megapixels handheld high-resolution shots with focus giving great depth of field to your images. The EVF featuring a maximum of 120Fps and just 0.005-second lag allows you to follow and capture fast-moving subjects.
Its in-body image stability captures smooth 4K and cinema 4K video with the camera in your hands; no tripod is needed. And it allows you to capture a starry sky with pinpoint accuracy while using its advanced AF setting.
With its 3 modes, Live Composite, Live Bulb, and Live time, you can capture perfect long exposure shots without worrying about overexposure.
Its most outstanding feature is the strategically placed joystick enabling you to shift AF for the quick reaction at moving subject during recording while looking through the viewfinder.
With Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III Black Camera, you no longer have to worry about where to store your videos.
You could transfer them to your tablet or phone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and share them on social media at will. You can also store such in the SD Cards; the camera is equipped with 2 SD slots for larger storage capacity.
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III Black Camera isn’t just about quality, it is also about efficiency as you tour the world.
AKASO EK7000 4K Wi-Fi Sports Action Camera
AKASO EK7000 Sports Action Camera takes you to the deep!
This Ultra HD action camera promises to capture outstanding 4K at 25Fps in a wide-angle view and 2.7K 30Fps videos in the dry land or underwater if you dress it with the 100-feet waterproof case.
On photos, expect 12-megapixels photos at up to 30Fps beating your ordinary HD cameras; perfect for extreme outdoor activities.
The camera is equipped with a 2-inch screen, Wi-Fi connectivity allowing you instant upload of your content, and comes with a wireless wrist 2.4GHz remote control enabling you to capture extreme action at will. It is also HDMI-compatible if you desire external output.
Its two rechargeable 1050mAh batteries give you an hour and a half each to record your videos without the need for juice up again.
While the above features can be debated against its competitors; lack of a touchscreen and absence of the much-needed built-in image stabilization, the thing that gives AKASO EK7000 Sports Action Camera a winning vote is its price.
It cost a mere $49.99, almost 7 times cheaper than its close competitor, GoPro HERO8 Black featured above!
Dragon Touch 4K Action Camera
Still going lower in price, the Dragon Touch 4K Action Camera ensures you have no excuse why your underwater escapades cannot be captured
The camera prides on the ability to survive 100 feet underwater, capturing 4K videos in wide view angle up to 170 degrees and showing all the action on the 2-inch screen.
Its Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to save and share those exhilarating moments on your smartphone or tablet. You can also read SD cards with the Dragon Touch.
Dragon Touch 4K Action Camera’s 2 rechargeable 1050mAh batteries ensure you have enough time to record enough content for your vlog uninterrupted.
It comes with 2.4GHz wireless wrist remote control convenient when recording action in places beyond reach. Unfortunately, the remote isn’t waterproof and its wireless range is up to 33 feet.
Some other functions to write home about include driving mode, ability to loop record, exposure and white balance, 4X zooming, drama shot, slow motion, time-lapse, and image rotation.
And even though it isn’t compatible with the Mac family and 4K recording is limited to 30Fps, for a price of $39.99, you have no excuse why you can’t take your followers where the action is!
Can You Vlog With Your Phone?
Absolutely!
If you have been newly infected by the vlogging virus, don’t shy away from your smartphone’s camera; there is no sin against using such.
Trust us when we tell you that all those YouTubers boasting of using the best vlogging cameras in the market began there.
So hold your smartphone in one hand and share your ingenious message with the world!
And if your hand is shaky, create a DIY tripod, download the free Inshot App for editing and share your content with the world. Just be consistent, entertaining, and educative, the audience will love you.
What Is The Best Beginner Vlog Camera?
But when your fan base begins to grow, even before earning a dollar on YouTube or being declared an influencer worthy of winning deals, save up for a cheap but effective vlogging camera.
Consider one that costs less than 50 bucks like the AKASO EK7000 4K Wi-Fi Sports Action Camera or the Dragon Touch 4K Action Camera. Both are action cameras leaving you no excuse regardless of your kind of content.
What Is A Good Cheap Camera For Beginners?
The last two vlogging cameras in the list above are the best for beginners. They have standard features needed for vlogging and they go for less than 50 bucks.
But if you want to aim higher, consider the lightweight and portable DJI Osmo Pocket – Handheld 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer with Integrated Camera going for $243.
It may require some level of sacrifice to take such home, but for a camera offering 4K 60Fps videos at 100Mbps and photos at 12-megapixels, your fans follow, like, and share your content gladly.
And it connects to your phone allowing easy streaming and vlogging.
But if you need to feel like a pro to sustain vlogging inspiration, then go for Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 4K Digital Camera. It costs only $297.99 and the effect of its long zoom is hypnotizing!
What Type Of Camera Do Vloggers Use?
Every vlogger has their favorite camera. But when you tally down to what these cameras have in common, certain features stand out.
Compact cameras that produce sharp and smooth footage on demand come first, especially if they are waterproof as well.
Such is common among vloggers who travel or spend lots of their recording time outdoors.
But then there is the need for such cameras to adapt to various lighting conditions ranging from dim street light to moonlight.
There is also the need to have a vlogging camera with a front-facing or flip-up screen for easy framing.
Whether you are a self-shooting vlogger or one recording a scene away from yourself, these features are your messiah.
Then there’s the capability to add an external microphone for high-quality audio. While the audience may turn a blind eye to low-quality videos, they don’t turn a deaf ear to terrible audio.
So before you think of the good grip, battery capacity, connectivity, and other bells and whistles, if your version of the best vlogging camera doesn’t offer the above features, that type is unworthy of a vlogger’s hands.